Chance Me - And Interview Question

Colleges and Universities A-Z McGill University
1

<p>Hey everyone, I'm considering applying to McGill but I'd like to know what you all think of my chances.</p>

<p>GPA (weighted): 3.41
SAT (as of now): Math: 650 Reading:650 Writing:650
AP Credits: English III= 3
Dual-Credit (Community College taken during highschool):
12hrs
US History1: 89(B)
US History2: 92(A)
Macroeconomics: 94(A)
Government: 98(A)
GPA: 3.75</p>

<p>EC: I have a solid amount, including varsity athletics (Soccer) as well as varsity debate team and officer positions in some clubs. Furthermore, I have 70hours of library volunteering. However, I heard as far as admissions McGill doesn't really look at them? Is that true?</p>

<p>Work Experience: April/2008-Present: Kumon Learning Center, Tutor. 12hr/week
April/2007-Sept/2007: Kumon Learning Center, Tutor 12hr/week
2005-Present COYSA Grade 8 Soccer Referee 2-5hr/week (did not work during offseason)
2002-2004: Oak Hill Soccer Referee 2hr/week</p>

<p>I don't know if this is relevant, but my semiweak GPA is a result of poor performance my freshman year of high school(1st year), however my sophomore year gpa was a 3.5, junior year a 3.7 and so far this senior year it is a 4.6, and I read on McGill website they consider the last three years of highschool? Will they look at my transcript and see this progression or just consider my cumalative GPA?</p>

<p>Also, how does my dual-credit GPA factor in? And is it necessary to take SATII's if I have those dualcredit scores? Essays are my strong point, how much will those factor in?</p>

<p>Keep in mind I'd like to major in Liberal Arts, or perhaps business.</p>

<p>Lastly, I have family in Montreal and I travel there all the time, I'll be flying over in December. Should I set up an interview? Would that be helpful for someone in my position?</p>

<p>so...what do you all think of my chances?!</p>

<p>Thanks so much for all the help!!</p>

2

<p>Yes...you are in. I am probably getting pretty annoying because I say that all the time, but historically, I know people with lower stats than you getting in. Therefore you are in. </p>

<p>You have family in Montreal? Are you Quebecois? Because if so, you are REALLY in...</p>

<p>And no, there are no interviews for regular admissions, they really do not want to see you.</p>

3

<p>Are you sure that a 3.4 weighted GPA will be enough though? </p>

<p>Yeah I have a good amount of family there, but I've never lived there or anything. Actually, my uncle is a doctor at their hospital and so is his wife, any way they could hook me up?!</p>

4

<p>Well, yes, the most important years are the last 3 years (for any college really), and your senior year seems to be picking up some serious pace, so you should be fine.</p>

<p>Which hospital? McGill has 5 hospitals it is affiliated with, the most famous probably being MNI (Montreal Neurological Institute). I'm not sure whether he can hook you up, but I'm sure he can help by talking to admissions. </p>

<p>By the way, are you going to do business in the Faculty of Arts or at the Faculty of Management? Their admission rates are quite different. However, since you can apply to 2 faculties, just apply to both of those. And yes, those are easiest faculties to get into.</p>

5

<p>I'm not sure which hospital it is, I think its near their stadium or some sort of sport thing. </p>

<p>My only question about senior year is that the application deadline is to early for me to send in an updated transcript with my first semester of my senior year on it, how will they factor it in?</p>

<p>I was thinking Faculty of Arts, but applying for both is a good idea.</p>

6

<p>Is it on the hill? There are two hospitals near the Percival Molson stadium: Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal Nerological Institute. This is also the place where most of residences are: Upper Rez. Just so you know, McGill is on a hill, and the elevation from one end to another is 50m I think.</p>

<p>And no, it is not to early. Just send in the application now, which takes 5 minutes, and then tell your school to send the grades once your 1st semester is over. Then, send your final transcript after you have graduated. Basically, the school does all the work - you cannot send the transcript on your own.</p>

7

<p>Yeah, I've been to the university numerous times, I love it.</p>

<p>I understand that my school will send it, but what if they have made a decision before the first semester is over?</p>

8

<p>Bump.....anyone else?</p>

9

<p>More opinions, anyone?!?!</p>

<p>I scheduled a visit for this winter break, I really want to know my chances before I take SATII's and go through everything. What do you all think?</p>

10

<p>As far as I know, McGill has a US student quota and with the relative value of a McGill education vs private US colleges, it is becoming an attractive option to more and more American students. Honestly, I wouldn't say your stats will lead to an automatic "in" because the admissions climate is becoming very competitive everywhere. And as has been mentioned before - McGill is ALL about your grades and scores. Written recommendations, extra curricular activities, work experience, etc. do not factor in. Good luck though!</p>

11

<p>Okay thanks! Yeah, if I don't get in I won't be heart broken or anything, I just have nothing to loose so why not try :)</p>

<p>Do you think you could give me an estimate of my chance of getting in, in your opinion? like 40%?</p>

12

<p>My son is a junior and was accepted with 2020 combined SAT and a 4.2 weighted GPA. But that was a few years ago and I believe the college admissions environment is even more competitive with students applying to increasing numbers of colleges. I recall the Admissions Office had an admissions guidelines binder for American students/guidance counselors. It was very detailed and basically outlined the courses, grades, scores etc. required for consideration (e.g. Pre-Calculus A-, etc.). The impression I took away from that information was if you don't meet those minimum requirements, you need not apply (given that they don't request or factor in the other 'stuff'.) These guidelines may change with the times so you should see if this info is available.</p>

13

<p>thanks, I'll be in montreal over chirstmas break, I'll check it out!</p>

14

<p>I did a visit today, and I really liked it. Any more opinions on my chances...because as of now I don't think I'm applying, due to lack of confidence in my grades/scores...</p>

15

<p>Did they still have the binder of Guidelines for US students in the admissions office? If so, did you review it and see what they are looking for in terms of grades/scores this year?</p>

16

<p>No def apply! McGill values students from the US and although your GPA may not be strong, there is still a chance that you could get in. Canadian schools are different as they only base their admissions on grades. However, you could do what I did and send in an extra resume and cover letter detailing your accomplishments and why you want to go to McGill. Call the admissions office to make sure they still let students do that</p>

17

<p>Tiger10, I actually didn't see anything of that sort. However, I'll email them to see if they have anything of that sort. Thanks.</p>

<p>sd1986, That seems like a good idea. I really want them to look at all the honors I've received ect. I'll talk to them about that as well!</p>

18

<p>Definitely still apply.
yes, to answer your questions though, they could really care less about your Ec's so its all about your grades and you've got good ones so i'd say you definitely have a fair shot. Although again something to keep in mind is that they don't give priority to american students since canada already has so few universities that it only seems fair to give canadian students priority. however, mcgill is perhaps the most international out of all the canadian universities, so you have a better chance there as an american than anywhere else.</p>

<p>it all depends on whether they can fulfill their american student quota with people that have better grades than you, they will admit those people instead of you. probably. but if you cosndier how great your marks are, we all know it's not realistic that every other american applying is going to have better grades than you. you're definitely going to be on top.</p>

<p>so although i can't give you an actual number for your chances, hopefully that helped?</p>